Compositions and methods for preventing and recovery from detrimental effects of alcohol consumption

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods to prevent and recover from detrimental effects of alcohol consumption, including significant undesirable symptoms of a hangover consciously felt by the alcohol consumer, as well as those that may not be consciously experienced. The present technology comprehensively targets multiple negative effects of hangovers. In one aspect, a composition includes dihydromyricetin (DHM); and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). The composition may further include Prickly Pear Extract, Milk Thistle, Ginger Root, Vitamins B, C, and E, electrolytes, and/or sugars.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent document is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/726,230, filed on May 29, 2015, which claims the benefits andpriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/004,479, filed onMay 29, 2014. The entire contents of the before-mentioned patentapplications are incorporated by reference as part of the disclosure ofthis application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent document relates to compositions, devices, and methods forpreventing and/or relieving side effects of alcohol consumption.

BACKGROUND

Alcohol is a constituent of medicines, foods, and beverages thatprovides both beneficial and detrimental effects on human beings.Alcohol typically refers to ethyl alcohol (ethanol), which is the commonform of consumable alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, e.g., such asbeer, wine, and liquor. Consumable alcohol is produced by fermentationprocesses of various food products, e.g., including wheat, rice, orother starches, fruits, honey, or other sources of sugars, and yeast.The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) of theU.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) considers a standard drink tobe equal to 0.6 ounces of pure ethanol, e.g., which is equivalent toapproximately 12 fluid ounces (fl. oz.) of regular beer (of about 5%alcohol), 8-9 fl. oz. of malt liquor (of about 7% alcohol), 5 fl. oz. ofwine (of about 12% alcohol), and 1.5 fl. oz. (referred to as a “shot”)of an 80-proof distilled spirit or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka,whiskey, tequila, etc.).

During consumption, alcohol is rapidly absorbed from the stomach andsmall intestine into the bloodstream, from which it can affect severalorgans including the brain, heart, pancreas, and liver. Alcohol can actas a depressant to the central nervous system (CNS). For example,alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, whichaffects brain functionality that manifests in cognitive and behavioralchanges, e.g., such as a person's ability to think, focus, move, as wellas his/her mood and behavior. Alcohol can cause inflammation and damageto the liver, e.g., where consistent heavy drinking can cause chronicliver problems. For example, heavy drinking can lead to steatosis (e.g.,or fatty liver), infection (e.g., alcoholic hepatitis), fibrosis, andcirrhosis.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods to prevent and recoverfrom detrimental effects of alcohol consumption.

In one aspect, a composition includes dihydromyricetin (DHM); andN-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Implementations of the composition can includeone or more of the following features. In some implementations, forexample, the composition can further include prickly pear extract and/orsilymarin. In some implementations, for example, the composition canfurther include ginger root extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, electrolytes,or one, a blend or a complex of B vitamins (e.g., thiamine, riboflavin,niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, biotin, folic acid, andcobalamin). In some implementations, for example, the composition canfurther include carbohydrates, e.g. including a sugar.

In one aspect, a composition for mitigating adverse effects of alcoholconsumption includes dihydromyricetin (DHM) to reduce hangover symptomsincluding one or more of sleep disruption, headache, or alcoholwithdrawal effects associated alcohol consumption; and N-acetyl cysteine(NAC) to affect acetaldehyde and congeners produced by the liverassociated with the alcohol consumption. Implementations of thecomposition can include one or more of the following features. In someimplementations, for example, the composition can further includeprickly pear extract provided to affect oxidative stress associated withthe alcohol consumption; silymarin provided to affect liverfunctionality in breaking down toxic substances and to affect oxidativestress associated the alcohol consumption; and/or one or more B vitaminsselected from a group consisting of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin,pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, biotin, folic acid, andcobalamin, in which the one or more B vitamins are provided to replenishvitamins lost and to reduce headaches associated the alcoholconsumption.

In one aspect, a method for mitigating adverse effects of alcoholconsumption includes providing a dose of a first-stage composition to beconsumed at a first time proximate to the beginning of alcoholconsumption by a person, in which the first-stage composition includesN-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and one or both of prickly pear extract andsilymarin; and providing a dose of a second-stage composition to beconsumed at a second time proximate to the end of the alcoholconsumption by the person, or providing a dose of the second-stagecomposition or a third-stage composition to be consumed at a third timeafter the alcohol consumption by the user, in which the second-stagecomposition and the third-stage composition include dihydromyricetin(DHM), NAC, and one or both of one or both of prickly pear extract andsilymarin.

The subject matter described in this patent document can be implementedin specific ways that provide one or more of the following features. Forexample, the disclosed compositions include formulations of ingredientscapable of effectively and comprehensively treating multiple symptoms ofhangovers and the negative effects of alcohol. In some implementations,for example, compositions of the present technology can be used to aidin sobering up a person if taken during drinking, or keeping them soberif taken before drinking. In some implementations, for example,compositions of the present technology can be used as a daily supplementto aid in the replenishing of electrolytes of the individual, and/orreverse negative effects on brain function (e.g., through the use ofDHM).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary method for mitigating adverseeffects of alcohol consumption using a multi-staged composition of thedisclosed technology.

FIGS. 2A-2C show data plots of analyzed quantitative results obtainedfrom the exemplary studies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ingestion of alcohol has numerous effects on the human brain andbody. The immediate effect of alcohol on humans is that of intoxication.This varies in degrees based on the tolerance of the individual and theamount of drinks consumed, as well as with the amount of different typesof food and liquids consumed prior to drinking.

The alcohol is transmitted throughout the body via the blood stream andis progressively cleared from the blood primarily via the liver. Oncealcohol has been cleared from the blood stream, individuals oftenexperience what is commonly known as an “alcohol hangover,” e.g., oftensimply referred to as a “hangover.” A hangover refers to an array ofphysical symptoms that affect a person shortly after ingesting alcohol,e.g., within hours of consumption. The symptoms of a hangover include,for example, one or more of thirst, fatigue and/or weakness, headacheand/or muscle aches, dizziness/faintness, loss of appetite, poor and/ordecreased sleep, nausea and/or stomach pain (e.g., which can includevomiting), and elevated heart rate. A hangover is considered to be oneof the most widely experienced negative consequences of consumingethanol.

The hangover effect of alcohol consumption can vary based on theindividual (e.g., body mass, age, hydration level, etc.), amount ofalcohol ingested, and other ingredients, foods, or liquids consumedbefore, during, or after alcohol consumption. Despite the variability ofparameters that affect the degree to which the symptoms of a hangoverare ‘felt’ by an individual, the hangover effect occurs in an individualeven if he or she does not have significant visible hangover symptoms,as the body has undergone the negative physical effects of alcohol evenif the user is not consciously aware of it.

The present technology addresses problems caused by alcohol consumptionincluding significant visible symptoms of a hangover consciously felt bythe alcohol consumer, and also physical effects of the alcohol on thebody that may not be consciously experienced. Disclosed arecompositions, devices, and methods to prevent and recover fromdetrimental effects of alcohol consumption.

Usually alcohol is consumed through “alcoholic beverages.” Alcoholicbeverages are drinks that contain the molecule ethanol. Ethanol is theprimary psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic beverages, e.g., includingwine, beer, and distilled spirits. In the United States, for example,according to the NIAAA approximately 86% of Americans 18 or olderreported that they have consumed alcoholic beverages at some point intheir lifetime, with over 50% reporting that they have drank in the pastmonth. Owing to the popularity of alcoholic beverages, alcohol can beconsidered as one of the most popular drugs in the world. According tothe US Beverage Alcohol Forum, for 2012, the U.S. market size ofalcoholic beverages was $197.8 billion in retail sales dollars.

Because a hangover can result in physically detrimental symptoms suchlethargy, headaches and nausea, or other, it often reduces a person'sability to work at their normal or desired state. For example, a studyof college students found that 25% had experienced a hangover in theprevious week, and 29% reported losing school time for hangover recovery(e.g., Wiese et. al, Annals of Internal Medicine 132 (11): 897-902, June2000). In the same article, it was observed that 15% of men and womenwho have consumed alcohol experience hangovers at least monthly and tenpercent of British men reported hangover-related problems at work atleast monthly. Hangovers of individuals that consume alcohol at timesproximate to their work schedule can cause economic losses. For example,it was estimated that 9.23% (e.g., 11.6 million workers) of the U.S.labor force work with a hangover and that alcohol use accounted for 3.3billion (U.S$.) in lost wages each year, as a result of work missedbecause of a hangover suffered by the employee (e.g., Ling et al.,Current drug abuse reviews 3 (2): 80-7, 2010). Similar results wereshown for other countries such as Canada and Finland. Moreover, even ifone does go to work with noticeable hangover symptoms, it has been notedthat hangover severity and neurocognitive performance are significantlycorrelated, with more intense hangovers indicating less fitness for duty(e.g., Howland et al, Journal of Addiction Research Therapy (01),January 2010).

In a study reviewing hangovers, the physiological factors contributingto a hangover were identified as (1) dehydration and electrolyteimbalances, (2) gastrointestinal disturbances, (3) low blood sugar, (4)disruption of sleep and other biological rhythms, (5) headaches, (6)effects of alcohol withdrawal (AW), e.g., including irritability,anxiety, etc., and (7) toxic effects of acetaldehyde and congeners(e.g., Swift and Davidson, Alcohol Health Res. World, 22: 54-60, 1998).It has been shown by Wiese et al. that supplementation with B-Vitaminscan decrease the severity of a hangover, implying that another cause ofa hangover can include (8) vitamin loss. The brain is very B-Vitamindependent, and a lack of nutrition causes physiological problems.

Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO, also referred to as ethanal) is an aldehyde thatis found in nature and also produced by the partial oxidation of ethanolin the liver by an enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Acetaldehyde isconsidered to be a contributing constituent that causes hangovers fromalcohol consumption.

The liver acts to clear alcohol and acetaldehyde from the body. Alcoholconsumption (and particularly over consumption) leads to liver stressand L-Glutathione depletion, leaving the individual with a temporarilyovertaxed liver that cannot properly clear the body of toxins for aperiod of time during and after drinking. This over-taxation of theliver can lead to a buildup of lactic acid which known to be related tofeelings of lethargy, e.g., and is thereby also considered to be anotherphysiological factor contributing to hangovers: (9) reduced or impairedliver function in regards to added stress of alcohol on regular liverfunction. The present technology is capable of targeting these nineexemplary hangover causes in a comprehensive way.

Despite the increasing number of anti-hangover technologies available,none of the existing ‘hangover cures’ provide the alcohol consumer witha composition and/or methodology that is capable to counter all or atleast most of the known causes of a hangover, and thereby areineffective to prevent a potential hangover or to extensively improvethe ability to recover from a multi-faceted (e.g., multi-symptomatic)hangover. Although some existing hangover remedies may be considered tobe partially effective, there is still a need for a comprehensivesolution that addresses a greater number of contributing factors for ahangover, if not all of the causes for a hangover. Existing hangovercures provide noncomprehensive or incomplete solutions that fail toidentify or affect the full spectrum of causes and fail to providecomprehensive anti-hangover agent. Accordingly, the negativeconsequences of alcohol consumption continue to impair alcohol consumersglobally, e.g., which have been shown to effect health and economies.The disclosed technology provides various compositions, formulations,delivery systems (e.g., capsules, powders, liquids) and methods forcomprehensively treating and/or preventing hangovers, which target thefull spectrum of hangover causes and provide more effective relief topersons consuming alcohol that can reduce at least some of the negativeeffects of alcohol.

Exemplary Embodiments

Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology areillustrated in the following description and examples. In oneembodiment, for example, a hangover prevention and/or treatmentcomposition of the present technology includes dihydromyricetin (DHM),and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC). DHM is a compound also referred to asampelopsin((2R,3R)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one),which, for example, can be found in vine tea extract. DHM is understoodto increase the rate at which alcohol and acetaldehyde are removed bythe liver, and to reduce at least some of the negative effects ofalcohol on the brain. DHM binds to the same receptors in the nervoussystem as alcohol binds to, e.g., GABA_(A) receptor. By binding to thesame receptor, DHM creates traffic at that receptor and thereby reducesalcohol's effects when taken with alcohol in the system, which cancontribute to reducing AW symptoms. In some implementations of theexemplary hangover prevention and/or treatment composition, for example,the DHM (e.g., or extract of the plant from which it comes from,ampelopsin) is provided by the composition to combat the disruption ofsleep and other biological rhythms, headaches, and the effects ofalcohol withdrawal, i.e., the fourth, fifth, and sixth physiologicalfactors listed above contributing to hangovers. For example, the DHM canalso be provided by the composition to promote liver functionality inbreaking down toxic substances, i.e., the ninth physiological factorcontributing to hangovers. NAC is a natural precursor to L-Glutathione,which is an enzyme in the liver that breaks down acetaldehyde. In someimplementations, for example, the NAC (e.g., or any of its functionalsubstitutes such as SAM-e or L-Glutathione, or other) is provided by thecomposition to combat the toxic effects of acetaldehyde and congeners,i.e., the seventh physiological factor listed above contributing tohangovers.

In some implementations of the composition, for example, the DHM can beincluded in an amount of at least 300 mg. In some implementations of thecomposition, for example, the amount of DHM can be in a range between300 mg and 3600 mg. In some implementations of the composition, forexample, the NAC can be included in an amount of at least 25 mg. In someimplementations of the composition, for example, the amount of NAC canbe in a range between 25 mg and 1200 mg. In some implementations of theexemplary hangover prevention and/or treatment composition, for example,the amount of the DHM can be between 70 wt. % to 80 wt. % (e.g., 75 wt.%) and the amount of the NAC can be between 20 wt. % to 30 wt. % (e.g.,25 wt. %).

The composition can be incorporated into any of a variety of deliverysystems, e.g., such as a capsule. In an example of a capsule (e.g.,gelatin capsule) containing a 400 mg dose of the exemplary composition,the capsule can contain 300 mg of the DHM and 100 mg of the NAC. Inanother example of a capsule containing a 800 mg dose of the exemplarycomposition, the capsule can contain 600 mg of the DHM and 200 mg of theNAC. For example, the gelatin capsule can contain non-active ingredientsadding to the mass of the composition's delivery system while notaffecting the functionality of the composition. In some examples, asingle 00size gelatin capsule can include non-active ingredientsincluding gelatin, microcrystalline, cellulose, magnesium stearate, andfood coloring to make capsule colors. In some implementations of theexemplary hangover prevention and/or treatment composition, for example,two 00size gelatin capsules each containing 600 mg of the DHM and 200 mgof the NAC may constitute a single dose of the composition.

In some embodiments of the composition, for example, the composition canfurther include Prickly Pear Extract and/or an extract of its activeingredient(s) (e.g., Tex-OE(R) or any other of its functionalsubstitutes such as antioxidant constituents including Gogi Berries,Kudzu Flower, or artichoke and/or the extracts of their activeingredients). Tex-OE(R) is a constituent of the prickly pear cactuscapable of protecting cells from acetaldehyde, lactic acid, and toxins.For example, the Prickly Pear Extract can be provided by the compositionto combat oxidative stress (e.g., toxic effects of acetaldehyde andcongeners) that can cause inflammation, i.e., the seventh physiologicalfactor listed above contributing to hangovers. In some implementationsof the composition, for example, the Prickly Pear Extract can beincluded in an amount of at least 50 mg. In some implementations of thecomposition, for example, the amount of Prickly Pear Extract can be in arange between 50 mg and 1500 mg. In some implementations of an exemplarycomposition including DHM, NAC, and Prickly Pear Extract, for example,the amount of the DHM can be between 60 wt. % to 70 wt. % (e.g., 66.67wt. %), the amount of the NAC can be between 15 wt. % to 30 wt. % (e.g.,22.2 wt. %), and the amount of Prickly Pear Extract can be between 5 wt.% to 20 wt. % (e.g., 11.1 wt. %). In an example of a capsule containinga 450 mg dose of the exemplary composition, the capsule can contain 300mg of the DHM, 100 mg of the NAC, and 50 mg of the Prickly Pear Extract.

In some embodiments of the composition, for example, the composition canfurther include Milk Thistle and/or an extract of its activeingredient(s) (e.g., Silymarin, or any other of its functionalsubstitutes). In some examples, the composition includes silibinin (INN)as the active ingredient of the silymarin constituent of the MilkThistle. For example, the Milk Thistle can be provided by thecomposition to promote liver functionality in breaking down toxicsubstances and to combat oxidative stress (e.g., toxic effects ofacetaldehyde and congeners), i.e., the seventh and ninth physiologicalfactors listed above contributing to hangovers. In some implementationsof the composition, for example, the Milk Thistle (e.g., Silymarin) canbe included in an amount of at least 100 mg. In some implementations ofthe composition, for example, the amount of Milk Thistle (e.g.,Silymarin) can be in a range between 100 mg and 500 mg. In someimplementations of an exemplary composition including DHM, NAC, and MilkThistle, for example, the amount of the DHM can be between 60 wt. % to70 wt. % (e.g., 63.1 wt. %), the amount of the NAC can be between 15 wt.% to 30 wt. % (e.g., 21.1 wt. %), and the amount of Milk Thistle can bebetween 5 wt. % to 20 wt. % (e.g., 15.8 wt. %). In an example of acapsule containing a 475 mg dose of the exemplary composition, thecapsule can contain 300 mg of the DHM, 100 mg of the NAC, and 75 mg ofthe Milk Thistle. In other implementations of an exemplary compositionincluding DHM, NAC, Prickly Pear Extract and Milk Thistle, for example,the amount of the DHM can be between 50 wt. % to 65 wt. % (e.g., 57.1wt. %), the amount of the NAC can be between 15 wt. % to 25 wt. % (e.g.,19.1 wt. %), the amount of Prickly Pear Extract can be between 5 wt. %to 15 wt. % (e.g., 9.5 wt. %), and the amount of Milk Thistle can bebetween 10 wt. % to 20 wt. % (e.g., 14.3 wt. %). In an example of acapsule containing a 525 mg dose of the exemplary composition, thecapsule can contain 300 mg of the DHM, 100 mg of the NAC, 50 mg of thePrickly Pear Extract, and 75 mg of the Milk Thistle.

In some embodiments of the composition, for example, the composition canfurther include Ginger Root (e.g., including gingerol[(S)-5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-decanone], and/or(6)-Shogaol [(E)-1-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)dec-4-en-3-one], and/oranother of ginger's various constituents (which may be basic in pH)) tocombat gastrointestinal disturbances, i.e., the second physiologicalfactor listed above contributing to hangovers. In some implementationsof the composition, for example, the Ginger Root Extract (e.g., 5%gingerol) can be included in an amount of at least 25 mg. In someimplementations of the composition, for example, the amount of GingerRoot Extract can be in a range between 25 mg and 1500 mg.

In some embodiments of the composition, for example, the composition canfurther include Vitamin B complex (e.g., Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6,B7, B9, and B12, or combinations thereof) to replenish vitamins lostwith drinking alcohol (e.g., vitamins consumed in the alcohol breakdownprocess in the liver) and to combat headaches associated with ahangover, i.e., the eighth and fifth physiological factor listed abovecontributing to hangovers. In some implementations of the composition,for example, the Vitamin B complex or blend can be included in an amountof at least 25 mg. In some implementations of the composition, forexample, the amount of Vitamin B complex or blend can be in a rangebetween 25 mg and 400 mg. In some implementations, for example, thecomposition can include additional vitamins, e.g., including Vitamin Cand Vitamin E. In some implementations of the composition, for example,the Vitamin C can be included in an amount of at least 50 mg. In someimplementations of the composition, for example, the amount of Vitamin Ccan be in a range between 50 mg and 1000 mg. In some implementations ofthe composition, for example, the Vitamin E can be included in an amountof at least 30 IU. In some implementations of the composition, forexample, the amount of Vitamin E can be in a range between 30 IU and 120IU. In some implementations of an exemplary hangover prevention and/ortreatment composition including DHM, NAC, Prickly Pear Extract, MilkThistle, and B Vitamins, for example, the amount of the constituents canbe as follows: DHM can be between 35 wt. % to 55 wt. % (e.g., 46.1 wt.%), the amount of the NAC can be between 10 wt. % to 20 wt. % (e.g.,15.4 wt. %), the amount of Prickly Pear Extract can be between 1 wt. %to 15 wt. % (e.g., 7.7 wt. %), the amount of Milk Thistle can be between5 wt. % to 20 wt. % (e.g., 15.4 wt. %), and the amount of Vitamins B canbe between 5 wt. % to 20 wt. % (e.g., 15.4 wt. %). In an example of acapsule containing a 260 mg dose of the exemplary composition, thecapsule can contain 120 mg of the DHM, 40 mg of the NAC, 20 mg of thePrickly Pear Extract, 40 mg of the Milk Thistle, and 40 mg of thecomplete B Vitamin complex.

In some embodiments of the composition, for example, the compositionfurther includes electrolytes and salts in various forms to combatdehydration and electrolyte imbalances and headaches associated with ahangover, i.e., the first and fifth physiological factors listed abovecontributing to hangovers. For example, electrolytes can include amixture of some or all of the following exemplary electrolytes in theirvarious forms: sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium,bicarbonate, phosphate, and sulfate). For example, the salts can includesodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), or other salts. Insome implementations of the composition, for example, the electrolytescomplex or blend mixture can be included in an amount of at least 50 mg.In some implementations of the composition, for example, the amount ofelectrolytes complex or blend mixture can be in a range between 50 mgand 800 mg.

In some embodiments of the composition, for example, the composition canfurther include sugars or carbohydrates in their various forms (e.g.,such as glucose, dextrose, fructose, etc.) for the purpose to combat lowblood sugar and headaches associated with a hangover, the third andfifth of the known hangover causes.

In some implementations of an exemplary hangover prevention and/ortreatment composition including DHM, NAC, Prickly Pear Extract, MilkThistle, Ginger Root, Vitamins, and electrolytes and salts, for example,the amount of the constituents can be as follows: DHM can be between 35wt. % to 55 wt. % (e.g., 43.2 wt. %), the amount of the NAC can bebetween 10 wt. % to 20 wt. % (e.g., 14.4 wt. %), the amount of PricklyPear Extract can be between 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % (e.g., 7.2 wt. %), theamount of Milk Thistle can be between 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % (e.g., 10.8wt. %), the amount of Ginger Root can be between 1 wt. % to 10 wt. %(e.g., 3.6 wt. %), the amount of Vitamins B can be between 1 wt. % to 15wt. % (e.g., 7.1 wt. %), the amount of Vitamins C can be between 1 wt. %to 15 wt. % (e.g., 7.2 wt. %), the amount of Vitamins E can be between0.1 wt./0 to 10 wt. % (e.g., 2.9 wt. %), and the amount of electrolytesand salts (e.g., NaCl and KCl) can be between 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % (e.g.,3.6 wt. %). In an example of a capsule containing a 695 mg dose of theexemplary composition, the capsule can contain 300 mg of the DHM, 100 mgof the NAC, 50 mg of the Prickly Pear Extract, 75 mg of the MilkThistle, 25 mg of the Ginger Root, 15 mg of the Vitamin B1, 3 mg of theVitamin B2, 3 mg of the Vitamin B3, 3 mg of the Vitamin B5, 5 mg of theVitamin B6, 3 mg of the Vitamin B7, 3 mg of the Vitamin B9, 15 mg of theVitamin B12, 50 mg of the Vitamin C, 20 mg (e.g., 30 IU) of the VitaminE, 15 mg of the NaCl, and 10 mg of the KCl.

It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of the disclosedtechnology include various formulations made from any of theabove-mentioned compositions.

For example, the disclosed compositions include formulations ofingredients capable of effectively and comprehensively treating multiplesymptoms of hangovers and the negative effects of alcohol. In someimplementations, for example, compositions of the present technology canbe used to aid in sobering up a person if taken during drinking, orkeeping them sober if taken before drinking. In some implementations,for example, compositions of the present technology can be used as adaily supplement by individuals (e.g., such as individuals who regularlyconsume alcohol), e.g., which can aid in the replenishing ofelectrolytes of the individual, and/or reverse negative effects on brainfunction (e.g., through the use of DHM).

In implementations, a composition of the disclosed technology can beused before, during, or after the use of alcohol. For example, anexemplary hangover prevention and/or treatment composition could also betaken before going to sleep on the day or night of drinking, and/oragain after waking (e.g., the next morning). The disclosed compositionscan be contained in the form of capsules, tablets, or extended releasecapsules or tablets. In some implementations, for example, a compositionof the disclosed technology can be contained in a liquid deliverymechanism, e.g., such that the exemplary composition was produced in theform of a drink (e.g., soft drink). In some implementations, forexample, a composition of the disclosed technology can be made in theform of a liquid concentrate or shot which could be taken alone or addedto water or a drink. In some implementations, for example, a compositionof the disclosed technology can be made in the form of powder in apacket, e.g., in which the contents may be dispersed into water or adrink. The disclosed compositions can be used for sobering up, recoveryfrom single or multiple exhibited hangover symptoms suffered afterdrinking, aiding in hangover prevention, in any of the above deliveryforms (e.g., a pill, drink, liquid concentrate, packet of powder, orother solid form). In some implementations, for example, the disclosedcompositions can be used as a daily supplement to aid in general health,e.g., particularly for individuals who regularly consume alcohol.

For example, administering the disclosed compositions in certain amountsand/or concentrations can treat or alleviate the symptoms of a hangoverafter the onset of the hangover has occurred. Also, for example,administering the disclosed compositions in certain amounts and/orconcentrations can prevent the onset of a hangover. In someimplementations, for example, the disclosed compositions may alsoincrease sobriety when the composition is consumed before, during, orafter immediately after alcohol consumption. In implementations, forexample, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosed compositions can beadministered in the form of example forms mentioned above (e.g., pills,drinks, liquid concentrates, and or packets of powder).

Additional example embodiments of the disclosed hangover preventionand/or treatment composition are described.

In another example, a hangover prevention and/or treatment compositionincludes the electrolytes (e.g., one or a mixture of some or all of thefollowing exemplary electrolytes in their various forms: sodium,potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, phosphate, andsulfate); DHM; NAC; and Prickly Pear Extract.

In another example, a hangover prevention and/or treatment compositionincludes the electrolytes (e.g., one or a mixture of some or all of thefollowing exemplary electrolytes in their various forms: sodium,potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, phosphate, andsulfate); DHM; NAC; Prickly Pear Extract; and Ginger Root (e.g., orother constituent to lower stomach pH levels).

In another example, a hangover prevention and/or treatment compositionincludes the electrolytes (e.g., one or a mixture of some or all of thefollowing exemplary electrolytes in their various forms: sodium,potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, phosphate, andsulfate); DHM; NAC; Prickly Pear Extract; Ginger Root (e.g., or otherconstituent to lower stomach pH levels); and sugar or carbohydrates intheir various forms (e.g., such as one or a mixture of some or all ofthe following exemplary carbohydrates: fructose, dextrose, andmaltodextrin).

In another example, a hangover prevention and/or treatment compositionincludes the electrolytes (e.g., one or a mixture of some or all of thefollowing exemplary electrolytes in their various forms: sodium,potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, phosphate, andsulfate); DHM; NAC; Prickly Pear Extract; Ginger Root (e.g., or otherconstituent to lower stomach pH levels); sugar or carbohydrates in theirvarious forms (e.g., such as one or a mixture of some or all of thefollowing exemplary carbohydrates: fructose, dextrose, andmaltodextrin); and a mixture of Vitamins B, C, and E (in any of theirforms).

In another example, a hangover prevention and/or treatment compositionincludes the electrolytes (e.g., one or a mixture of some or all of thefollowing exemplary electrolytes in their various forms: sodium,potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, phosphate, andsulfate); DHM; NAC; Prickly Pear Extract; Ginger Root (e.g., or otherconstituent to lower stomach pH levels); sugar or carbohydrates in theirvarious forms (e.g., such as one or a mixture of some or all of thefollowing exemplary carbohydrates: fructose, dextrose, andmaltodextrin); a mixture of Vitamins B, C, and E (in any of theirforms); and Milk Thistle or its extract of Silymarin.

In some embodiments of the above exemplary compositions, for example,the composition can be formulated without DHM to be taken before alcoholconsumption so as to avoid undergoing the sobering effects provided bythe DHM. Similarly, in some embodiments of the above exemplarycompositions, for example, the composition can be include twosubcompositions including a first subcomposition formulated without DHMto be taken before alcohol consumption, and a second subcompositionformulated with DHM to be taken after alcohol consumption to maximize onthe hangover preventing and/or curing effects.

In some implementations of the multiple subcombinations, for example,the first subcomposition can include NAC (e.g., of 25 wt. % to 50 wt. %(e.g., 44.5 wt. %)), Prickly Pear Extract (e.g., of 15 wt. % to 35 wt. %(e.g., 22.2 wt. %)), and Milk Thistle (e.g., of 20 wt. % to 40 wt. %(e.g., 33.3 wt. %)). In an example of a capsule containing a 225 mg doseof the exemplary first subcomposition, the capsule can contain 200 mg ofthe NAC, 100 mg of the Prickly Pear Extract, and 150 mg of the MilkThistle. For example, the second subcomposition can include DHM (e.g.,of 50 wt. % to 65 wt. % (e.g., 57.1 wt. %)), NAC (e.g., of 15 wt. % to25 wt. % (e.g., 19.1 wt. %)), Prickly Pear Extract (e.g., of 5 wt. % to15 wt. % (e.g., 9.5 wt. %)), and Milk Thistle (e.g., of 10 wt. % to 20wt. % (e.g., 14.3 wt. %)). In an example of a capsule containing a 525mg dose of the exemplary second subcomposition, the capsule can contain300 mg of the DHM, 100 mg of the NAC, 50 mg of the Prickly Pear Extract,and 75 mg of the Milk Thistle.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary method 100 for mitigating adverseeffects of alcohol consumption using an exemplary multi-stagedcomposition of the disclosed technology. The method 100 includes aprocess 110 to provide a dose of a first-stage composition includingNAC, Prickly Pear Extract, and Milk Thistle at a first time proximate tothe beginning of alcohol consumption by a user (i.e., the alcoholconsumer). For example, in some implementations of the process 110, thefirst time can include two hours or less prior to (e.g., including justbefore) the beginning of the alcohol consumption. In someimplementations of the process 110, for example, the first time caninclude within one hour after the beginning of the alcohol consumptionby the user. In some implementations, for example, the first-stagecomposition can include the exemplary first subcombination previouslydescribed. In some implementations of the process 110, for example, thefirst-stage composition can also include one or more of ginger rootextract, vitamins B complex or blend, vitamin C, vitamin E,electrolytes, and/or carbohydrates including sugar. In someimplementations of the process 110, for example, the first-stagecomposition may include the Prickly Pear Extract or the Milk Thistle.For example, the first-stage composition can be provided by supplyingthe constituents of the first-stage composition (e.g., the NAC, andPrickley Pear Extract and/or Milk Thistle) in a delivery system, e.g.,including a capsule, tablet, powder, liquid concentrate, or liquidmixture (e.g., drink).

The method 100 can include a process 120 to provide a dose of asecond-stage composition including DHM, NAC, Prickly Pear Extract, andMilk Thistle at a second time proximate to the end of the alcoholconsumption by the user. For example, in some implementations of theprocess 120, the second time can include two hours or less after (e.g.,including just after) the end of the alcohol consumption. In someimplementations of the process 120, for example, the second time caninclude within one hour before the end of the alcohol consumption by theuser. In some implementations, for example, the second-stage compositioncan include the exemplary second subcombination previously described. Insome implementations of the process 120, for example, the second-stagecomposition can also include one or more of ginger root extract,vitamins B complex or blend, vitamin C, vitamin E, electrolytes, and/orcarbohydrates including sugar. In some implementations of the process120, for example, the second-stage composition may include the PricklyPear Extract or the Milk Thistle. For example, the second-stagecomposition can be provided by supplying the constituents of thesecond-stage composition (e.g., the DHM, NAC, and Prickley Pear Extractand/or Milk Thistle) in a delivery system, e.g., including a capsule,tablet, powder, liquid concentrate, or liquid mixture (e.g., drink).

The method 100 can include a process 130 to provide a dose of thesecond-stage composition at a third time after the alcohol consumptionby the user. For example, in some implementations of the process 130,the third time can include several hours after (e.g., including four totwelve hours) the end of the alcohol consumption. For example, the thirdtime can include after the user has slept after the alcohol consumption.In some implementations of the process 130, for example, thesecond-stage composition provided in the process 130 can include athird-stage composition that is provided at the third time that maydiffer in the constituents and/or their amounts or relative amounts thanthe second-stage composition.

In some implementations of the method 100, for example, the first-stageand the second-stage compositions can be provided as two distinctlyvisible delivery vehicles and/or packages. For example, the first-stagecomposition and the second stage composition may be provided asdiffering colors (e.g., blue pill vs. red pill) in a blister pack orpill container.

In some implementations of the method 100, for example, the method 100can include the process 110, the process 120, and the process 130;whereas in some implementations, for example, the method 100 can includethe process 110 and the process 120; or whereas in some implementations,for example, the method 100 can include the process 110 and the process130.

Exemplary Implementations

Some of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology wereprepared and utilized in exemplary implementations as described below.

Exemplary Formulation 1

An exemplary capsule formulation was prepared as follows. 195 g of DHM(e.g., 98.6% pure) was added to a small mixing vat. To that was added 65g of NAC to form a mixture. The mixture was then stirred to consistency,where there were no visible clumps or changes in color. Gelatin capsuleswere produced to contain the exemplary composition. For example, 400gelatin capsules were mounted in the filling tray of a 400 rack 00#capsule size manual capsule filler. The mixture was then added to thefilling tray and filled the capsules to max capacity, using a tampingtool to make sure max capacity was reached. After reaching max capacity,the gelatin capsule lids were mounted and pressed onto the capsulebottoms containing the powders, thus making complete capsules. Whenweighed, for example, the average capsule (empty) weighed 109 mg+/−1 mg(STDEV). After filled, the capsules weighed on average 760 mg+/−14 mg.

Exemplary Formulation 2

An exemplary capsule formulation was prepared as follows. 120 g of DHM(e.g., 98.6% pure) was added to a small mixing vat. To that was added 40g of Milk Thistle (e.g., 80% Silymarin). To that mixture was added 40 gof a Vitamin B-Complex. To that mixture was added 40 g of NAC. Andfinally to that mixture was added 20 g of Prickly Pear Extract (4:1).The mixture was then stirred to consistency, where there were no visibleclumps or changes in color. Gelatin capsules were produced to containthe exemplary composition. For example, 400 gelatin capsules weremounted in the filling tray of a 400 rack 00# capsule size manualcapsule filler. The mixture was then added to the filling tray andfilled the capsules to max capacity, using a tamping tool to make suremax capacity was reached. After reaching max capacity, the gelatincapsule lids were mounted and pressed onto the capsule bottomscontaining the powders, thus making complete capsules. When weighed, forexample, the average capsule (empty) weighed 109 mg+/−1 mg (STDEV).After filled, the capsules weighed on average 760 mg+/−14 mg.

Exemplary Formulation 3

An exemplary 16 oz soft drink formulation was prepared as follows. Toform a sugar solution, 16 oz of water was added 15 g Sucrose syrup, 30 gglucose-fructose syrup, and citric acid. This was stirred until onesolution. To this solution was added 900 mg of DHM (e.g., 98% pure), 300mg of NAC, 150 mg of Prickly Pear Extract, 250 mg of Milk Thistle (e.g.,80% Silymarin), 150 mg of Vitamin C, 30 IU of Vitamin E, 200 mg ofSodium Chloride, 150 mg of Potassium Chloride, 45 mg of Ginger Root, 45mg of Vitamin B1, 9 mg of Vitamin B2, 9 mg of Vitamin B3, 9 mg ofVitamin B5, 15 mg of Vitamin B6, 9 mg of Vitamin B7, 9 mg of Vitamin B9,and 45 mg of Vitamin B12. This was stirred until one solution wasformed.

Exemplary Formulation 4

An exemplary effervescent tablet was prepared as follows, e.g. in whichthis formulation is designed to be taken before, during, or afteralcohol consumption. 1000 g of DHM (e.g., 98.6% pure) was added to amixing vat. To that was added 500 g of NAC. To that was added 200 g ofPrickly Pear Fruit Powder. To that was added 300 g of Milk ThistleExtract (e.g., 80/o pure Silymarin). To that was added 100 g of anelectrolyte complex including 40 g sodium chloride and 60 g potassiumcitrate. To that was added 80 g of Ginger Root Extract containinggreater than 5% gingerols by weight. To that was added 75 g of a vitamincomplex including B-vitamins, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, all at valueshigher than the US recommended daily allowance. To this mixture was thenadded sodium bicarbonate and citric acid used to release carbon dioxideand create an effervescent fizz. The sum total of this mixture was thenmixed thoroughly until there was visible and physical consistency. Themixture was then pressed to form 100 effervescent tablets.

Exemplary Formulation 5

An exemplary gelatin capsule was prepared as follows, e.g. in which thisformulation was designed to be taken before, after, or during alcoholconsumption. 160 g of DHM (e.g., 98.6% pure) was added to a small mixingvat. To that was added 50 g of Milk Thistle Extract (e.g., 80%Silymarin). To that mixture was added 50 g of Prickly Pear Extract(4:1). The mixture was then stirred to consistency, where there were novisible clumps or changes in color. Gelatin capsules were produced tocontain the exemplary composition. 400 gelatin capsules were mounted inthe filling tray of a 400 rack 00# capsule size manual capsule filler.The capsules were then filled to max capacity, using a tamping tool tomake sure capacity was reached. After reaching max capacity, the gelatincapsule lids were mounted and pressed onto the capsule bottomscontaining the powders, thus making complete capsules. When weighed, forexample, the average capsule (empty) weighed 109 mg+/−1 mg (STDEV).After filled, the capsules weighed on average 770 mg+/−18 mg.

Exemplary Formulation 6

An exemplary gelatin capsule was prepared as follows, e.g. in which thisformulation was designed to be taken before, after, or during alcoholconsumption. 160 g of DHM (e.g., 98.6% pure) was added to a small mixingvat. To that was added 33 g of Milk Thistle Extract (e.g., 80%Silymarin). To that mixture was added 33 g of Prickly Pear Extract(4:1). To that mixture was added 33 g of NAC. The mixture was thenstirred to consistency, where there were no visible clumps or changes incolor. Gelatin capsules were produced to contain the exemplarycomposition. 400 gelatin capsules were mounted in the filling tray of a400 rack 00# capsule size manual capsule filler. The capsules were thenfilled to max capacity, using a tamping tool to make sure capacity wasreached. After reaching max capacity, the gelatin capsule lids weremounted and pressed onto the capsule bottoms containing the powders,thus making complete capsules. When weighed, the average capsule (empty)weighed 109 mg+/−1 mg (STDEV). After filled, the capsules weighed onaverage 772 mg+/−16 mg.

Exemplary Formulation 7

An exemplary gelatin capsule was prepared as follows, e.g. in which thisformulation was designed to be taken before drinking (e.g., possibly insame night as the exemplary formulation 7 below). 60 g of Prickly PearExtract (4:1) was added to a small mixing vat. To that was added 60 g ofMilk Thistle Extract (e.g., 80% Silymarin). To that mixture was added 30g of a blend of Vitamins B, C, and E. To that mixture was added 50 g ofNAC. To that mixture was added 50 g of electrolytes. To that mixture wasadded 10 g of Ginger Root (e.g., containing >5% Gingerols). The mixturewas then stirred to consistency, where there were no visible clumps orchanges in color. Gelatin capsules were produced to contain theexemplary composition. 400 gelatin capsules were mounted in the fillingtray of a 400 rack 00# capsule size manual capsule filler. The capsuleswere then filled to max capacity, using a tamping tool to make surecapacity was reached. After reaching max capacity, the gelatin capsulelids were mounted and pressed onto the capsule bottoms containing thepowders, thus making complete capsules. When weighed, for example, theaverage capsule (empty) weighed 109 mg+/−1 mg (STDEV). After filled, thecapsules weighed on average 758 mg+/−13 mg.

Exemplary Formulation 8

An exemplary gelatin capsule was prepared as follows, e.g. in which thisformulation was designed to be taken after drinking (e.g., possibly insame night as the exemplary formulation 6 above). 160 g of DHM (e.g.,98.6% pure) was added to a small mixing vat. To that was added 20 g ofMilk Thistle Extract (e.g., 80% Silymarin). To that mixture was added 30g of a blend of Vitamins B, C, and E. To that mixture was added 30 g ofa Vitamin B, C, and E Complex. To that mixture was added 30 g ofelectrolytes. To that mixture was added 20 g of Ginger Root(containing >5% Gingerols). The mixture was then stirred to consistency,where there were no visible clumps or changes in color. Gelatin capsuleswere produced to contain the exemplary composition. 400 gelatin capsuleswere mounted in the filling tray of a 400 rack 00#capsule size manualcapsule filler. The capsules were then filled to max capacity, using atamping tool to make sure capacity was reached. After reaching maxcapacity, the gelatin capsule lids were mounted and pressed onto thecapsule bottoms containing the powders, thus making complete capsules.When weighed, for example, the average capsule (empty) weighed 109mg+/−1 mg (STDEV). After filled, the capsules weighed on average 752mg+/−14 mg.

Exemplary Studies

Results from exemplary studies using the exemplary formulations aredescribed. In one example study, 27 participants (e.g., 19 males and 8females) underwent monitored alcohol consumption events where theparticipants drank alcoholic beverages of their choosing to theirdesired amount. The participants administered one or more of threedifferent formulations of the composition (e.g., exemplary formulations1, 2, and 3) after drinking alcohol, e.g., within two hours of the endof the alcohol consumption, but before going to sleep. The participantswere given the exemplary formulations randomly so as to get an evennumber of participants testing each formulation (e.g., 9 performulation). The participants were also studied under the same alcoholconsumption scenarios without the use of the composition, i.e., controlgroup.

The participants were instructed to fill out a quantitative surveyshortly after waking from their sleep after the alcohol consumptionevents. In the survey, the participants answered questions directed to:their demographic and physical attributes, their drinking sessionexperience, their activities surrounding their drinking experience, andtheir self-evaluation about their symptoms of a hangover on variouslevels. Participants quantitatively assessed the level of their hangoversymptoms they felt after drinking alcohol without the composition andwith the exemplary formulation of the composition.

For example, participants were asked to provide their gender, age, andweight (e.g., demographic and physical attributes information). Forexample, participants were asked to provide typical amounts and types ofstandard drinks consumed, and amount of time spent drinking in general,and the amount, type, and time spent drinking during the alcoholconsumption events. Also, for example, the participants were askedquestions regarding what they did in the prior 48 hours to the monitoredalcohol consumption events, as well as what they did during and afterdrinking. Because various activities and chemicals can increase/decreasethe likelihood and severity of hangovers, such parameters wereconsidered for the quantitative analyses of the exemplary studies. Forexample, questions asked about the amount of sleep in 48 hours prior to(and immediately after) the alcohol consumption events, the amount ofalcohol consumed in 48 hours prior to the alcohol consumption events,the amount of caffeine and/or nicotine consumed prior to (andimmediately after) the alcohol consumption events, the amount ofphysical activity prior to (and during) the alcohol consumption events,and the level of nutrition received prior to, during, and after thealcohol consumption events. For example, the average age of theparticipants was 24, the average body weight was 167 lbs., the averagenumber of alcoholic beverages consumed were 9 standard drinks, and theaverage time drinking during the monitored alcohol consumption eventswas 4.1 hrs.

Hangovers are the culmination a large number of symptoms, such as:headaches, nausea and stomach pain, depression, anxiety, irritability,lethargy, brain fog, and mental and physical fatigue. Because of this,the participants were asked to rank the following symptoms on a scale of1-10 for each symptom for the control (no composition taken) and for theexperimental (composition taken) alcohol consumption events, e.g., inwhich 10 being the worst feeling, and 1 being feeling fine. For example,the symptoms are listed here with a numeric label for associatedfigures: headaches 201; stomach/nausea 202; general energy/lethargy 203;focus/ability to think clearly 204; mental energy/lethargy 205; physicalenergy/lethargy 206; general sense of well-being 207; motivation toperform daily activities 208; and general feeling about experiencing ahangover overall 209.

The data from the results from the exemplary studies were compiled andanalyzed, and it was found that for each of the three exemplarycompositions (e.g., the exemplary formulations 1, 2, or 3) that theparticipants experienced a greater than 50% positive change in theirhangover symptoms by using the composition than by not using thecomposition. In other words, an average of 50%+ reduction in hangoversymptoms were experienced across all three formulations, with onestandard deviation being less than 27%.

FIGS. 2A-2C show data plots of analyzed quantitative results obtainedfrom the exemplary studies. FIG. 2A shows a data plot of the analyzedquantitative results using the exemplary formulation 1. FIG. 2B shows adata plot of the analyzed quantitative results using the exemplaryformulation 2. FIG. 2C shows a data plot of the analyzed quantitativeresults using the exemplary formulation 3. In all of the data plots inFIGS. 2A-2C, the exemplary data showed that the average positive changes(between using the exemplary composition and not using the composition)were always at least a 50% reduction in hangover symptoms across theboard. Moreover, the average median percent change (using the exemplarycomposition vs. not using the composition) were 61.1%, 56.7%, and 51.1%for the exemplary formulations 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Moreover, thestandard deviation from the average mean percent change was always below27% (as depicted by the error bars in the data plots of FIGS. 2A-2B) forall three exemplary compositions. Therefore, for example, for each ofthe exemplary formulations of the disclosed compositions, thecomposition was demonstrated to effectively reduce the symptoms of ahangover across the board.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are illustrative of several embodiments of thepresent technology. Other exemplary embodiments of the presenttechnology may be presented prior to the following listed examples, orafter the following listed examples.

In an example of the present technology (example 1), a compositionincludes dihydromyricetin (DHM); and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).

Example 2 includes the composition of example 1, in which thecomposition includes between 70 wt. % to 80 wt. % of the DHM, andbetween 20 wt. % to 30 wt. % of the NAC.

Example 3 includes the composition of example 1, in which the DHMincludes an amount of at least 300 mg, and the NAC includes an amount ofat least 100 mg.

Example 4 includes the composition of example 1, in which a ratio of theDHM to the NAC is at least 3:1.

Example 5 includes the composition of example 1, further includingprickly pear extract.

Example 6 includes the composition of example 5, in which thecomposition includes between 60 wt. % to 70 wt. % of the DHM, between 15wt. % to 30 wt. % of the NAC, and between 5 wt. % to 20 wt. % of theprickly pear extract.

Example 7 includes the composition of example 5, in which the DHMincludes an amount of at least 300 mg, the NAC includes an amount of atleast 100 mg, and the prickly pear extract includes an amount of atleast 50 mg.

Example 8 includes the composition of example 5, further includingsilymarin.

Example 9 includes the composition of example 8, in which thecomposition includes between 50 wt. % to 65 wt. % of the DHM, between 15wt. % to 25 wt. % of the NAC, between 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the pricklypear extract, and between 10 wt. % to 20 wt. % of the silymarin.

Example 10 includes the composition of example 8, in which the DHMincludes an amount of at least 300 mg, the NAC includes an amount of atleast 100 mg, the prickly pear extract includes an amount of at least 50mg, and the silymarin includes an amount of at least 100 mg.

Example 11 includes the composition of example 1, further includingsilymarin.

Example 12 includes the composition of example 11, in which thecomposition includes between 60 wt. % to 70 wt. % of the DHM, between 15wt. % to 30 wt. % of the NAC, and between 5 wt. % to 20 wt. % of thesilymarin.

Example 13 includes the composition of example 11, in which the DHMincludes an amount of at least 300 mg, the NAC includes an amount of atleast 100 mg, the prickly pear extract includes an amount of at least 50mg, and the silymarin includes an amount of at least 100 mg.

Example 14 includes the composition of example 8, further including oneor more B vitamins selected from a group consisting of thiamine,riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, biotin,folic acid, and cobalamin.

Example 15 includes the composition of example 14, in which thecomposition includes between 35 wt. % to 55 wt. % of the DHM, between 10wt. % to 20 wt. % of the NAC, between 1 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the pricklypear extract, between 5 wt. % to 20 wt. % of the silymarin, and 5 wt. %to 20 wt. % of the one or more B vitamins.

Example 16 includes the composition of example 14, in which the DHMincludes an amount of at least 300 mg, the NAC includes an amount of atleast 100 mg, the prickly pear extract includes an amount of at least 50mg, the silymarin includes an amount of at least 100 mg, and the one ormore B vitamins include an amount of at least 25 mg.

Example 17 includes the composition of examples 1, 5, 8, or 11, furtherincluding one or more of ginger root extract, vitamin C, vitamin E,electrolytes, or one or more B vitamins, in which the one or more Bvitamins are selected from a group consisting of thiamine, riboflavin,niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, biotin, folic acid, andcobalamin.

Example 18 includes the composition of example 17, in which theelectrolytes include sodium chloride and potassium chloride.

Example 19 includes the composition of example 17, further including oneor more carbohydrates including a sugar.

Example 20 includes the composition of example 17, in which thecomposition includes between 35 wt. % to 55 wt. % of the DHM, between 10wt. % to 20 wt. % of the NAC, between 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the pricklypear extract, between 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the silymarin, between 1wt. % to 10 wt. % of the ginger root extract, between 1 wt. % to 15 wt.% of the one or more B vitamins, between 1 wt. % to 15 wt. % of thevitamin C, between 0.1 wt. % to 10 wt. % of the vitamin E, and between 1wt. % to 20 wt. % of the electrolytes.

Example 21 includes the composition of example 1, in which thecomposition is contained in a capsule, a tablet, a liquid concentrate,or a powder.

Example 22 includes the composition of example 1, further includingTex-OE(R).

Example 23 includes the composition of example 22, further includingsilibinin.

Example 24 includes the composition of example 1, further includingsilibinin.

Example 25 includes the composition of examples 1, 22, 23, or 24,further including one or more B vitamins selected from a groupconsisting of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid,pyridoxine, pyridoxal, biotin, folic acid, and cobalamin.

Example 26 includes the composition of example 25, further including oneor more of (S)-5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-decanone,vitamin C, vitamin E, or electrolytes.

Example 27 includes the composition of example 26, further including oneor more carbohydrates including a sugar.

Example 28 includes the composition of example 1, in which thecomposition is contained in a capsule, a tablet, a liquid concentrate,or a powder.

In an example of the present technology (example 29), a composition formitigating adverse effects of alcohol consumption includesdihydromyricetin (DHM) of between 70 wt. % to 80 wt. % of thecomposition, in which the DHM is provided to reduce hangover symptomsincluding one or more of sleep disruption, headache, or alcoholwithdrawal effects associated alcohol consumption; and N-acetyl cysteine(NAC) of between 20 wt. % to 30 wt. % of the composition, in which theNAC is provided to affect acetaldehyde and congeners produced by theliver associated with the alcohol consumption.

Example 30 includes the composition of example 29, further includingprickly pear extract provided to affect oxidative stress associated withthe alcohol consumption.

Example 31 includes the composition of example 30, in which thecomposition includes between 60 wt. % to 70 wt. % of the DHM, between 15wt. % to 30 wt. % of the NAC, and between 5 wt. % to 20 wt. % of theprickly pear extract.

Example 32 includes the composition of examples 29 or 30, furtherincluding silymarin provided to affect liver functionality in breakingdown toxic substances and to affect oxidative stress associated thealcohol consumption.

Example 33 includes the composition of example 32, in which thecomposition includes between 60 wt. % to 70 wt. % of the DHM, between 15wt. % to 30 wt. % of the NAC, and between 5 wt. % to 20 wt. % of thesilymarin.

Example 34 includes the composition of example 32, in which thecomposition includes between 50 wt. % to 65 wt. % of the DHM, between 15wt. % to 25 wt. % of the NAC, between 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the pricklypear extract, and between 10 wt. % to 20 wt. % of the silymarin.

Example 35 includes the composition of examples 29 or 30, furtherincluding one or more B vitamins selected from a group consisting ofthiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxal,biotin, folic acid, and cobalamin, in which the one or more B vitaminsare provided to replenish vitamins lost and to reduce headachesassociated the alcohol consumption.

Example 36 includes the composition of example 29, further includingprickly pear extract provided to affect oxidative stress associated withthe alcohol consumption; silymarin provided to affect liverfunctionality in breaking down toxic substances and to affect oxidativestress associated the alcohol consumption; and one or more B vitaminsselected from a group consisting of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin,pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, biotin, folic acid, andcobalamin, in which the one or more B vitamins are provided to replenishvitamins lost and to reduce headaches associated the alcoholconsumption.

Example 37 includes the composition of example 36, in which thecomposition includes between 35 wt. % to 55 wt. % of the DHM, between 10wt. % to 20 wt. % of the NAC, between 1 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the pricklypear extract, between 5 wt. % to 20 wt. % of the silymarin, and 5 wt. %to 20 wt. % of the one or more B vitamins.

Example 38 includes the composition of examples 29, 30, or 36, furtherincluding one or more of: ginger root extract to reduce gastrointestinalhangover symptoms including one or both of nausea and vomiting, vitaminC and vitamin E to replenish vitamins lost and to reduce headachesassociated the alcohol consumption, or electrolytes to affectdehydration and electrolyte imbalances and to reduce headachesassociated the alcohol consumption.

Example 39 includes the composition of example 38, in which thecomposition includes between 35 wt. % to 55 wt. % of the DHM, between 10wt. % to 20 wt. % of the NAC, between 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the pricklypear extract, between 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the silymarin, between 1wt. % to 10 wt. % of the ginger root extract, between 1 wt. % to 15 wt.% of the one or more B vitamins, between 1 wt. % to 15 wt. % of thevitamin C, between 0.1 wt. % to 10 wt. % of the vitamin E, and between 1wt. % to 20 wt. % of the electrolytes.

Example 40 includes the composition of example 38, further including oneor more carbohydrates including a sugar.

Example 41 includes the composition of example 29, in which thecomposition is contained in a capsule, a tablet, a liquid concentrate,or a powder.

In an example of the present technology (example 42), a method formitigating adverse effects of alcohol consumption includes providing adose of a first-stage composition to be consumed at a first timeproximate to the beginning of alcohol consumption by a person, in whichthe first-stage composition includes N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and one orboth of prickly pear extract and silymarin; and providing a dose of asecond-stage composition to be consumed at a second time proximate tothe end of the alcohol consumption by the person, or providing a dose ofthe second-stage composition or a third-stage composition to be consumedat a third time after the alcohol consumption by the user, in which thesecond-stage composition and the third-stage composition includedihydromyricetin (DHM), NAC, and one or both of one or both of pricklypear extract and silymarin.

Example 43 includes the method of example 42, in which the providing thedose of the first-stage composition includes supplying the NAC and theone or both of the prickly pear extract and the silymarin in a deliverysystem including a capsule, tablet, powder, liquid concentrate, orliquid mixture.

Example 44 includes the method of example 42, in which the providing thedose of the second-stage composition includes supplying the DHM, theNAC, and the one or both of the prickly pear extract and the silymarinin a delivery system including a capsule, tablet, powder, liquidconcentrate, or liquid mixture.

In an example of the present technology (example M1), a method ofmitigating the adverse effects of consuming alcohol includes identifyinga person in need of hangover prophylaxis; and administering aformulation comprising ampelopsin and at least one compound chosen fromN-acetyl cysteine, prickly pear extract, and silibinin to the saidperson in need of hangover prophylaxis.

Example M2 includes the method of example M1, including administering aformulation comprising ampelopsin, N-acetyl cysteine, prickly pearextract, and silibinin.

Example M3 includes the method of example M1, including administeringthe said formulation to a person having a blood alcohol concentration ofgreater than 0.08 grams per deciliter of blood.

Example M4 includes the method of example M3, including administeringthe said formulation to a person having a blood alcohol concentration ofgreater than 0.12 grams per deciliter of blood.

Example M5 includes the method of example M3, including administeringthe said formulation immediately prior to bedtime.

Example M6 includes the method of example M1, including administering adry formulation.

Example M7 includes the method of example M6, including administering atablet or capsule.

Example M8 includes the method of example M1, including administeringone or more compounds chosen from thiamine, riboflavin, niacin,pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, biotin, folic acid andcyanocobalamin.

In an example of the present technology (example C1), a synergisticanti-hangover formulation including electrolytes; vitamins; a liversupport agent; an antioxidant; and a neurological support agent.

Example C2 includes the composition of example C1, in which the liversupport agent is chosen from N-acetyl cysteine, Milk Thistle, andSilymarin.

Example C3 includes the composition of example C1, in which theneurological support agent is ampelopsin.

Example C4 includes the composition of example C1, in which the vitaminsare chosen from B vitamins and vitamin C.

Example C5 includes the composition of example C1, including stomachdiscomfort relieving agent.

Example C6 includes the composition of example C5, including gingerroot.

Example C7 includes the composition of example C5, including(E)-1-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)dec-4-en-3-one.

While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific toparticular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features thatare described in this patent document in the context of separateembodiments can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Moreover, the separation of various system components in theembodiments described in this patent document should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments.

Only a few implementations and examples are described and otherimplementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on whatis described and illustrated in this patent document.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tablet or capsule for mitigating the adverseeffects of alcohol consumption in a human in need thereof consistingessentially of therapeutically effective amounts of prickly pearextract, milk thistle extract, artichoke extract, dihydromyricetin andN-acetyl cysteine.